NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Center for Biological Diversity announced that the reward for information regarding the illegal killing of a Whooping Crane in Mamou, Louisiana is now $15,000.
Officials with the Center for Biological Diversity said the juvenile whooping crane was found dead on Jan. 9 in an agricultural pond near Besi Lane in Mamou.
An autopsy conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the bird was shot.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initially announced a $5,000 reward before raising the amount by $10,000.
The whooping crane is listed as an endangered species protected under both the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Act, according to the center.
“This cowardly act against a critically endangered and beloved bird can’t go unpunished. I hope someone does the right thing and steps forward with information,” said Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the center.
Anyone with information about the whooping crane shooting can contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 985-882-3756 or the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Lake Charles Office at 337-491-2588.
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